The Nation Newspaper

Tag: boko haram

  • Boko Haram kills five in Borno

    Gunmen believed to be Boko Haram elements yesterday killed five villagers on a raid in Borno state village Mainari.

    A military counter attack followed which lasted about an hour.

    Six people were injured while fleeing the attack in Mainari, 20 km southeast of Maiduguri, the state capital, according to two armed civilian volunteers who helped the military repulse the attackers.

    On Monday evening, suspected Boko Haram gunmen on horseback killed about 24 people in two separate village attacks in the state.

    In Cameroon’s north which borders Nigeria, no fewer than 10 people were killed and 100 injured  yesterday when a bomb went off near an army camp where soldiers were battling Boko Haram fighters.

    Army and police sources said another blast hit a market. Both blasts were suspected to have been carried out by Boko Haram members.

  • Troops recapture Gamboru Ngala from Boko Haram

    Troops recapture Gamboru Ngala from Boko Haram

    The Army yesterday confirmed the recapture of Gamboru Ngala, Borno State, by troops of the Army 7 Division.

    A statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, said troops had begun clearing and mopping up patrol, following the recapture of the town previously held by the insurgents.

    “The Nigerian Army has retaken the economic and strategic town of Gamboru Ngala, Borno State, from the Boko Haram terrorists group.

    “The triumphant troops are now busy with clearing and mopping up patrols,” the statement said.

    “Col. Usman said details of the feat would soon be made public as troops involved in the operations were in high spirits,” the statement said.

    NAN recalls that troops of Army 7 Division strike group on August 23 advanced to recapture the town, having liberated Dikwa from the insurgents.

     

  • Chad to the rescue?

    “Dada is a weakling,” a Yoruba saying direly warns, “but he boasts a mighty younger sibling”.  That would appear the story of (once almighty?) Nigeria, vis-a-vis the latest cheery news from the Boko Haram front.

    First, cheery news.  At last, Boko Haram’s nose appears finally being bloodied — and about time too! — with Nigerian troops’ reported crushing victory, in the ill-fated Boko Haram raid on Maiduguri, capital of Borno State; and epicentre of the Islamists’ insurrection.

    Boko Haram attacked twice; and twice it was put to the sword.  That is the sort of news Nigerians want to hear — and Hardball says Bravo to our brave troops, including the volunteer militias that joined to repel these blood thirsty anarchists.  Though it is still audacious Boko Haram must attack and our military defend (it should have been otherwise), the victory is no less sweet and reassuring.

    Cheery news, of sorts too: according to news reports, foreign armies from neighbouring countries — Chad, Niger and Cameroun — have now fully joined the anti-Boko Haram column.   But that is no altruism.  It is only strategic thinking that Boko Haram be checked before spreading its fatal doctrine into these countries, and contaminating their peoples.

    Besides, it is the decision of the African Union (AU) to raise a regional army to contain this menace.  That is just as well, for an injury to one is injury to all.

    Still, from this cheering news would suggest some jeer: “Chad captures Gamboru from sect”, was a headline in the February 4 issue of The Nation.  Gamboru is a Nigeria-Chad border town, which Boko Haram had earlier over-run, after putting Nigerian troops on the run.

    Indeed, it is good news that Gamboru is free.  If the lunatic boasts and taunts of Ibrahim Shekau, and the Stone Age savagery of his band of Islamist lunatics are anything to go by, the liberation of Gamboru is very good news.

    But by Chad?  That is not so good — particularly that, within four days, Chad is reported to have liberated other towns in Borno State like Baga, Dikwa, Malam Fatori, Damasak, Ngala and part of Bama!

    So, to use the Yoruba saying as metaphor, is Nigeria now the elder weakling, relying on the muscles of Chad, its younger sibling?  That must be very traumatic to a people who have always worn a chip on the shoulder as “the giant of Africa”!

    Sure, the Defence Headquarters has pooh-poohed the reported Chadian military driving seat story, insisting the Nigerian military was in control, busy directing affairs and calling the shots.  That might well be.

    Still, results are results: even if Nigerians were indeed in charge, the Chadian troops’ intervention would appear clearly fatal for Boko Haram.  Besides, if Nigerian troops had earlier attained the reported Chadian level of success, the intervention of neighbouring countries would have been needless.

    It would appear, therefore, that the once-upon-a-time lion of West Africa, imposing peace and order in Liberia and Sierra Leone, after those countries’ civil war; and favourite peacekeepers in global trouble spots, has now become a mere lamb, to be rescued by Chad!

    But what if Chad suddenly develops appetite for territorial ambitions?  That should trouble every patriot; for a country unable to defend itself leaves itself open to foreign domination.

     

    • This article was first published on February 5, 2015
  • Boko Haram: US condemns recent attacks

    Boko Haram: US condemns recent attacks

    United States (US) has strongly condemned the recent attacks in the North East of Nigeria.

    In a press Statement by John Kirby U.S. Department of State Spokesperson, Washington, D.C. reassured Nigeria of continued support in the fight against terrorism.

    The statement reads: “The United States strongly condemns the raids on villages in northeast Nigeria on August 28, and we extend our sympathies to the families and loved ones of the civilians who were killed and injured.

    “These recent raids are just additional examples of the horrific and indiscriminate violence that Boko Haram continues to use to terrorize civilians in northeast Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region.

    “August 27 marked the 500th day since Boko Haram kidnapped 276 girls from their school in Chibok.  We send our continued condolences to the families and loved ones of the girls who remain missing.

    “The kidnapping of the school girls in Chibok galvanized international attention for the Boko Haram conflict.  It is one of many attacks, kidnappings, raids and other acts of indiscriminate violence that continue on a frequent basis in Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.

    “The United States continues to support the governments and people of the Lake Chad Basin region in their ongoing struggle to degrade and defeat Boko Haram.

    “We contribute to these efforts through a number of security and counterterrorism assistance programs, which provide intelligence, advisors, training, equipment, and logistics.  We actively provide support on a bilateral basis and through the Multinational Joint Task Force, which the Lake Chad Basin countries and Benin are standing up to coordinate the regional efforts to counter Boko Haram.”

     

     

  • DSS nabs Boko Haram suspects in Lagos, others

    DSS nabs Boko Haram suspects in Lagos, others

    Operatives vow to frustrate sect’s activities

    Detectives have arrested 19 suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Lagos, Enugu, Plateau, Kano and Gombe states.

    The suspects were some of the commanders and frontline members of the sect who had played active roles in its bloody campaign, particularly in the Northeastern.

    The suspects, who were arrested between July 8 and August 24, included those that coordinated and executed suicide attacks in Potiskum, Kano, Zaria and Jos.

    The Department of State Service (DSS) broke the news yesterday in a statement signed by its spokesman Tony Opiuyo.

    One of the suspects, Usman Shuaibu (a.k.a Money), revealed that he coordinated the attacks with N500,000 which was provided by his Amir, Isa Ali, the DSS said.

    “Shuaibu claimed that the said Isa Ali has links to the leader of the Boko Haram sect, Abubakar Shekau, from where he collects monies to fund operations undertaken by their Markaz.

    “Also, he revealed that he has participated in several Boko Haram attacks, including the attacks at Gwoza Divisional Police Station in 2014.

    “Shuabu also admitted being the leader of the team of nine sect members that was dispatched from Sambisa Forest to carry out the attacks. He disclosed that four out of the nine of them were used as suicide bombers in executing all the suicide attacks,” the statement added.

    Another suspect, Ahmed Mohammed (a.k.a Abubakar) who the Service described as an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) expert, confessed to having prepared the IEDs used for most of the suicide attacks in the Northeast.

    He was also quoted by the DSS to have confessed that he prepared the IED strapped to the vests worn by a suicide bomber and his wives which they used in the recent Jos attacks.

    Also in the net is Adamu Abdullahi (aka Babpa) who was said to have confessed that Usman Shuaibu motivated him to work closely with Ahmed Mohammed (aka Abubakar) in the preparation of the IEDs used in the said attacks.

    Another of the suspects, Ibrahim Isa, reportedly confessed that he carried out reconnaissance on the targets in Jos ahead of the attacks.

    Muttaqa Yusuf (aka Mohammed Sani/Mudtaka) was said to have named Aliyu, who is believed to be the notorious Aliyu Gombe of Sambisa forest, as the one who ordered the serial attacks which the syndicate carried out at various locations in the Northeastern part of the country.

    He was said to have confessed that he assisted Shuabu in planning and executing the said attacks.

    Other suspects arrested in various parts of Lagos include: Bakura Modu, Mustapha Alli Jamneri, Abuyi Sherriff, Babangida Ali, Babangida Koloye, Abba  Modu Sagma and Grema Abubakar, Tijani Bagudu, Baba Alhaji and Abbas Ibrahim, Adam Wakil Abdul Jilbe and Mohammed Usman.

    Ibrahim Audu was arrested in Enugu; Ibrahim Haruna was arrested in Gombe, Mal Ali Mohamodu was arrested in Kano.

    The DSS said the terrorists have decided to spread to other parts of the country as a result of the pressure being put on them in their core areas of strength in the Northeast.

    “Nigerians and indeed the general public have to note that the arrest of Usman Shuaibu (Money) and the core members of his cell, stemmed the spate of bombings by the extremist sect.

    “Money and his group were arrested on their way to Bauchi State where they had planned to execute another heart-rending bomb attack and this was frustrated by the arrest.

    “Furthermore, the sudden influx of Boko Haram members into Lagos State points to the determination of the sect to extend its nefarious terrorist activities to the state and, in fact, other parts of the country.

    “The arrest of these confessed terrorist elements has, however, helped in no small measure to avert devastating attacks in the area. However, the Service is making efforts to conclude its investigations and commence prosecution of the suspects.”

    “Drawing from the above, the DSS reiterates its avowed determination to work with other stakeholders in the fight against terror and other forms of criminality in our country.

    “Citizens and residents are, therefore, called upon to rise to the occasion by volunteering useful information to the Service and other relevant security agencies,” the DSS stated.

  • ‘Boko Haram can end in three months if…’

    ‘Boko Haram can end in three months if…’

    Retired Archbishop of Lagos, Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie yesterday said an end to insurgency within three months was possible if the right equipment was available.

    He stated this at the Tamandu Barracks in Lagos, during the silver  jubilee to mark the Priestly ordination of an Army Chaplain, Colonel Charles Ireogbu.

    He however noted that there were factors to be considered if the service chiefs were expected to deliver on the insurgency deadline given by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Okogie said that aside equipment, training of the soldiers as well as determination and prayers could also end terrorism in the country.

    “Three months will be possible provided the equipment is there and functioning, if the soldiers are well trained and ready to fight,’’ he said.

    At the event was the General Officer Commanding, (GOC), 81 Division, Major General Isidore Edet, as well as other senior officers and men of the division.

    In his remark, Iroegbu who said he was proud to be an army officer, said it was fulfilling for him to serve his country in that capacity.

  • 56 villagers killed in Boko Haram attack

    56 villagers killed in Boko Haram attack

    Fifty-six persons were killed at the weekend at Badu village in Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State by gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members.

    Badu is located 68km from Maiduguri, the capital. The residents are farmers and herdsmen.

    Governor Kashim Shettima announced the attack on Saturday when he hosted the parents of the abducted Chibok girls in Maiduguri.

    He said: “As President Muhammadu Buhari directed me to address you on the abduction of your daughters in April last year by Boko Haram, the security agencies hurriedly briefed me on another insurgents’ attack at Badu village, where 56 people were killed. Houses were torched. This is madness. The President asked me to commiserate with everyone of you. He said you should be patient.

    “This Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast is not based on either religion or ethnicity. It is a total madness of massive killings and destruction of people’s property.

    “I have set up an emergency committee to go to the village tomorrow (Sunday) to give relief assistance to the affected people.”

    A military source said: “One of the villages in Borno north was attacked by the insurgents while fleeing the Lake Chad Basin areas at the weekend.”

  • Borno: 56 killed in fresh Boko Haram attack

    Borno: 56 killed in fresh Boko Haram attack

    Not fewer than 56 hapless villagers were killed by a gang of suspected Boko Haram in Badu village of Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno state.

    The attack was said to have been carried out in the early hours of Friday.

    Badu is located 68 km away from Maiduguri from the northern axis of Borno state with its population largely farmers and herdsmen.

    The news of the attack was revealed by no other than Gov. Kashim Shettima when he hosted parents of the abducted Chibok girls in Maiduguri, the State capital on Saturday.

    Shettima while addressing the parents revealed that; “As President Muhammadu Buhari directed me address you on the abduction of your daughters in April last year by Boko Haram, the security agencies hurriedly briefed me on another insurgents’ attacks at Badu village, where 56 innocent people were killed along with the burning down of all their houses and huts, including the evacuation of their food stuff and livestock.

    “This is madness, and the calamities perpetrated by these mad boys, are not only restricted to abduction of these Chibok schoolgirls that the President asked me to console with each and every one of you here today (Saturday) to exercise more patience.

    “The issue of this Boko Haram insurgency in the North East sub-region of this country; was not based on either religion or ethnicity. It is a total madness of massive killings and destruction of people’s lives without any genuine cause.

    “I have raised an emergency committee to hurriedly travel to the village Sunday to provide relief assistance, so that the survived ones do not perish along the dead bodies in Badu village of Nganzai council area of Borno.”

    A military source has also informed that, “One of the villages in Borno north, was attacked by the insurgents, while fleeing the Lake Basin Areas at the weekend.”

  • DSS nabs Boko Haram suspects in Lagos, Enugu, Plateau, others

    DSS nabs Boko Haram suspects in Lagos, Enugu, Plateau, others

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has announced the arrest of no fewer than 19 suspected Boko Haram terrorists during operations in Lagos, Enugu, Plateau, Kano and Gombe States.

    A statement on Sunday by the Acting spokesman of the DSS, Tony Opuiyo, said the suspects were some of the commanders and frontline members of the sect who had played active roles in some of the sect’s bloody campaign, particularly in the Northeastern part of the country.

    Opuiyo said the suspects, who were arrested between July 8 and August 24 included those that coordinated and executed suicide attacks in Potiskum, Kano, Zaria and Jos.

    The DSS said one of the suspects, Usman Shuaibu (a.k.a Money), revealed that he coordinated the attacks with the sum of N500,000 which was provided by his Amir, one Isa Ali.

    “Shuaibu claimed that the said Isa Ali has links to the leader of the Boko Haram sect, Abubakar Shekau, from where he collects monies to fund operations undertaken by their Markaz. “Also, he revealed that he has participated in several Boko Haram attacks, including the attacks at Gwoza Divisional Police Station in 2014.”

    “Shuabu also admitted being the leader of the team of nine sect members that was dispatched from Sambisa Forest to carry out the attacks. He disclosed that four out of the nine of them were used as suicide bombers in executing all the suicide attacks,” the statement added.

    Another suspect, Ahmed Mohammed (a.k.a Abubakar), who the Service described as an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) expert, was said to have confessed to having prepared the IEDs used for most of the suicide attacks in the Northeast.​

     

     

  • Nigerian, nine other Boko Haram members executed in Chad

    Nigerian, nine other Boko Haram members executed in Chad

    Chad yesterday executed a Nigerian, Mahamat Mustapha, also known as Bana Fanaye, and nine other alleged members of the terror sect, Boko Haram, by firing squad, 24 hours  after they were found guilty of a double suicide killing that left 38 people dead in the capital N’Djamena.

    “They were executed this morning on a shooting ground north of N’Djamena,” a judicial source told AFP. The report was confirmed by a security source who asked not to be identified.

    The 10 were condemned to death Friday in the country’s first trial of presumed members of the Islamist group.

    The trial lasted 48 hours.

    Prosecutor Bruno Mahouli said on Friday soon after the sentence was handed down that “the accused have recognized their guilt and accepted the sentence.”

    Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger have all suffered attacks by Boko Haram and earlier this year they announced a regional force to end the militants’ insurgency that has claimed more than 15,000 lives since 2009.

    The defendants were accused of criminal conspiracy, killings, willful destruction with explosives, fraud, illegal possessions of arms and ammunition, as well as using psychotropic substances.

    The accused included a Mahamat Mustapha said to have masterminded the June 15 suicide attacks that struck a school and a police building in N’Djamena, killing 38 people and injuring 101.

    On July 12, a fresh attack in the Chadian capital claimed by Boko Haram left at least 15 dead and 80 hurt after an assailant dressed as a woman blew himself up in the central marketplace.

    Shortly after Fanaye’s arrest in late June, Chad’s top prosecutor Alghassim Kassim said the suspect was the “ringleader of a network smuggling weapons and munitions between Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad”.

    Chad has beefed up security in response to the bloodshed.

    The regional force against Boko Haram is expected to number some 8,700 troops and police, but it has yet to go into action.